How to Choose a Rehab Centre:

Drug and alcohol addiction can impact your life in many ways. It can lead to financial ruin, tarnish relationships with family and friends, and pose a significant risk to your health. Worse still, the longer the addiction goes on, the harder it can get to break the cycle.

Building up the courage to admit you have a problem and then seeking professional help is a positive step forward. Fortunately, there is a range of rehab centres located around Australia. There you will have access to medical and psychological care, a friendly and supportive group, and the aftercare you need to avoid relapse. All of these combined elements are vital to a successful recovery.

Of course, not all rehab centres are equal. Unfortunately, the quality of some rehab centres can vary considerably, so it pays to do your research first. While some centres focus on treating certain types of addictions which influences the length and content of their programs. Which rehab centre is right for you will depend on your unique circumstances.

Here are some factors to consider and help you choose the right rehab centre.

Define Your Rehab Goals

Want kind of outcome do you want out of going to rehab? This will differ greatly from person to person. Different rehab centres have their own definition of ‘success’ as well. And this can play a key role in the path they forge to help you get there. Do you want to be entirely sober for 30 days? 60 days? Perhaps a whole year and beyond? Regardless, how you wish to move forward in life is entirely up to you.

Depending on how serious the addiction is, you may have to take into account health conditions as well. Part of your recovery plan may involve more than just breaking a few bad habits. You may also need to learn how to manage and live with any health ailments caused by the addiction.

Compare Service Providers

First you need to compare service providers in and around your area. These days you can do most of your research online. Simply visit the website of each service provider to read about their services, facilities, success stories, and testimonials of former patients. 

You can also call up or message these centres directly for more info. Any reputable rehab centre will be happy to answer your questions.

Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider before you enrol into rehab. During your research you will most likely have to think about following:

Inpatient or Outpatient?

There are two main types of rehab: inpatient rehab, where you live at the rehab centre; and outpatient rehab, where you stay at home and go to the centre several times a week during the day.

Knowing the key differences between the two will help you make the right choice. In general, inpatient rehab has a higher success rate but is more expensive and disruptive to your life. And, while outpatient rehab has a lower success rate, it is less expensive and lets you maintain your normal daily routine.

Another factor to consider is the seriousness of the addiction. Inpatient rehab may be necessary for a heavy drug or alcohol user. While outpatient rehab may be enough for a light user to get the help they need – as there is less risk of relapse.

Location

Where your rehab centre is located is very important. At first it may seem obvious to choose the closest and most convenient location. But there are potential risks to taking the easy route. 

Being closer to home can make it harder to disconnect from the things that fuel your addiction. This could be certain places, social groups, and other environmental triggers. Sometimes, it is better to travel further away and get a clean break from your old lifestyle and habits, even if the move is temporary.

Therapies and Treatments

Each rehab centre has their own approach and methods to treating addiction. There are literally thousands of ways to combat these issues. Most rehab programs blend a mix of treatments, which may involve:

• Detoxification programs

• Daily check-in support groups

• Individual counselling

• Sports and recreation activities

• Peer support groups

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a popular and effective form of treatment. This program is designed to help people better manage their cravings and learn how to overcome situations or emotions that can trigger a relapse. Some programs substitute other legal drugs, such as methadone or Suboxone, in order to reduce the harm of illicit drugs.

Keep in mind that some rehab centres are affiliated with religious groups, which can influence the content of their programs.

Length of Program

Most rehab programs last anywhere from 30, 60, and 90 days. Since inpatient programs are more intensive, they do not last as long as outpatient programs, which can last for several months up to a year. 

Many experts believe that 30 days is not enough time to ensure a successful recovery. To alleviate this issue, many centres provide an extra 30 to 60 days of aftercare to improve the chances of recovery.

Depending on your financial circumstances a longer rehab program may not be viable. But there are ways to make rehab more affordable…

Cost

Addiction can seriously impact your financial circumstances. For this reason, cost is a major factor for many treatment seekers. 

As mentioned earlier, inpatient rehab is more expensive than outpatient rehab. And naturally, going to a private rehab centre will cost more than a public rehab centre, although you can expect little to no waiting times. Keep in mind, though, the upfront cost of rehab could be less than the long-term cost of maintaining the addiction.

Other factors that influence the cost of rehab include the length of the program, services you need (i.e. medical, psychological), and whether you require aftercare. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to reduce the cost of treatment through government-funded payments via Centrelink and Medicare rebates.

Choose the Right Rehab Centre for You

With so many options available, choosing the right rehab centre may seem overwhelming and confronting. Fortunately, by doing your research and reaching out to different centres – almost every centre offers a free consultation – you, and with help from friends and family, can determine the best solution for you. 

Reach out to a treatment specialist today and take the first step on a successful road to recovery.